Himes discusses immigration reform in Norwalk

By STEVE KOBAKHour Staff Writer

Published 6:30 pm, Saturday, April 13, 2013

Photo: (C)2013, The Hour Newspapers, all rights reserved

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Congressman Jim Himes discusses challenges in Washington D.C. on immigration reform during a forum sponsored by Norwalk Councilman Warren Pena and joined by Councilman David Watts at the South Norwalk Community Center Saturday.

D-4, during a discussion on challenges that lawmakers in Washington, D.C., face on immigration reform.

Norwalk Councilman Warren Pena introduces U.S. Rep. Jim Himes,

D-4, during a discussion on challenges that lawmakers in Washington, D.C., face on immigration reform.

Photo: (C)2013, The Hour Newspapers, all rights reserved

Himes discusses immigration reform in Norwalk

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NORWALK -- U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, said before Congress succeeds in passing a comprehensive immigration reform bill, society needs to "reduce the level of anger and fear" surrounding the subject.

Himes facilitated a discussion on immigration and fielded questions from members of the general public and officials Saturday in front of a packed room at the South Norwalk Community Center, 98 South Main St.

"To label somebody 'illegal' is, I think, not consistent with dignity," Himes said. "We need to remember that almost all of us with names like Himes or Penna or Moccia were all immigrants at some point in time."

The well-attended forum, facilitated by Councilman Warren Pena, drew a diverse audience, including dozens of members of the general public that are directly affected by the issue. Mayor Richard A. Moccia joined politicians from the other side of the aisle at the forum. Councilman David Watts, state Rep. Bruce Morris and community leader Ernie Dumas were also in attendance at the forum.

Pena said the congressman wanted to field questions from the public "so he could take them to (Washington, D.C.) and discuss them with his colleagues."

Himes, who spent the first 10 years of his life in Peru, speaks fluent Spanish, and he answered questions in both Spanish and English. He took note of many immigration issues Norwalkers are facing, and polled audience members about the elements they would like to see in an immigration reform bill. He said immigration reform "is going to be good for the country," because it will place about 11 million people on the taxrolls who currently get paid under the table.

The Rev. Oscar Destruge Sandoval, of El Camino United Methodist Church, 718 West Ave., told Himes that "families are being torn apart" due to current immigration laws, and the community would like to see an immigration reform measure that addresses that issue.

Himes said the bill will aim to "preserve the unity of the nuclear family," but it may come with some sacrifice. For instance, the nuclear family may be valued over grandparents or aunts and uncles, he said. He then polled the audience about how they would like to see the issue of familial immigration rights handled.

"We can't have it all," he said. "So, what are the priorities?"

Moccia said he agrees that immigration reform is needed, but he has some concerns about border security. He pointedly asked Himes what steps the federal government will take to make sure the country isn't faced with the same immigration issue in 10 years.

"I agree that we have to take 11 million people out of the shadows," he said.

Himes said border security is paramount to immigration reform as is giving employers the tools to discern who immigrated legally and who didn't, once the immigration reform package passes.